S Korea progress in WC2026 qualifying as China boosted

The top two in each of the nine qualification groups advance to the next phase in the quest for one of Asia's eight guaranteed berths at the 48-team World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Captain Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in scored twice with Joo Min-kyu, Bae Jun-ho and Hwang Hee-chan also on target in interim coach Kim Do-hoon's first game in charge.

China's Abduweli scored a late equaliser to boost their prospects of a place in the next round with Branko Ivankovic's side picking up a precious point despite a first half penalty miss by naturalised Brazilian Fei Nanduo.

In Hanoi, Vietnam kept their slim hopes of advancing alive with a 3-2 win over the Philippines in Group F to move to within a point of Indonesia, who slipped to a 2-0 loss against Iraq.

Jesus Casas' Iraq side had already secured top spot but a penalty from Ayman Hussein and Ali Jasim's late effort took the points against a home side reduced to 10 men in the 59th minute when captain Jordi Amat was sent off.

Already-qualified Japan maintained their unblemished record in Group B as Koki Ogawa scored twice in a 5-0 win in Yangon over Myanmar while Oman boosted their chances in Group D with a 3-0 victory over Taiwan.

Later in the day Saudi Arabia take on Pakistan in Group G knowing a win will see them qualify for the next round while Kyrgyzstan take on Malaysia in a crucial Group D clash.